Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unveiled two underground military bases housing high-powered missiles and unmanned aerial systems on Saturday.
Built deep in the mountains, the bases can be used to launch 60 drones simultaneously with “no target limitation” because the systems can reportedly hit targets at a range of 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles).
According to the IRGC website, the bases were constructed in the form of tunnels. Although their precise location was not disclosed, a video shows many military trucks carrying missiles housed in a subterranean facility.
IRGC commander-in-chief Major General Hossein Salami explained that it is important to develop and store powerful missiles, drones, and other cutting-edge military aircraft to address potential threats.
While he believes that Iran’s power lies in its determination, he expressed his gratitude that the country has “enough” weapons and indigenous knowledge.
“We were once empty-handed and fought, but today we have the same faith, we have the same leader and commander, we have the same nation and ideals, but by the grace of God, our hands are full,” Salami remarked at an unveiling ceremony.
Seeking to Become Major Arms Exporter
IRGC Air Force commander General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said that the creation of underground facilities for drones and missiles shows Iran’s commitment to have a powerful military force.
He revealed that the bases have increased Iran’s firepower six to seven times while preparation time has been greatly reduced.
“With the round-the-clock efforts of the staff and the effective support of the officials, we were able to make this move,” Hajizadeh noted.
This latest development in Iran is seen as a part of its goal to become one of the world’s biggest exporters of military equipment, with Chief of General Staff Mohammad Bagheri touting the capabilities of its precision-guided missiles and drones.
“We don’t need anybody,” Bagheri said. “We determine our strategy, policy, and doctrine. Except for the three main superpowers in the world, no country can do this, not even the Europeans.”